that which will just allow the most unfavourably located particle to reach the collecting

electrode before the gas leaves the precipitator. Collection efficiencies of nearly 100 per cent
can be obtained at low gas velocities although the economic limit is usually about 99 per cent.
Electrostatic precipitators are made in a very wide range of sizes and will handle gas flows up
to about 50 m3/s. Although they operate more satisfactorily at low temperatures, they can be
used up to about 800 K. Pressure drops over the separator are low. 1.6.3. Liquid
washing If the gas contains an appreciable proportion of fine particles, liquid
washing provides an effective method of cleaning which gives a gas of high
purity. In the spray column illustrated in Figure 1.66, the gas flows upwards
through a set of primary sprays to the main part of the column where it flows
countercurrently to a water spray which is redistributed at intervals. In some cases packed
columns are used for gas washing, though it is generally better to arrange the packing on a
series of trays to facilitate cleaning